In this Apprenticeship Pattern “Sustainable Motivations”, it explains on how to sustain your motivation as a software developer through walking “the long road.” This pattern gave very good examples in situations where a software developer can have decreased motivation within their state of mind based on what they are currently doing or have recently endured, whether it be from a project for a customer, or in general, life at work. Some aspects that this pattern exemplified was the balance between being happy at what you do as a software developer, honing your skills and craft, and the amount you are getting paid to be financially well off.
At one point in the pattern, it gave very good examples that illustrate the point that there will be times as a software developer where you question your commitment to honing your craft or your profession.
“You hate your programming job and you’re motivated primarily by money. You find yourself focusing on climbing the corporate ladder over honing your craftsmanship. But you are also motivated by your reputation as a technologist, and this allows you to endure long enough for your job situation to improve.”
“You’re motivated primarily by your enjoyment of programming, but you’ve had a few months when you can’t feel the love. You are seriously considering abandoning the profession. Fortunately, you are also motivated by money, and you think that programming is your best option financially right now. You stick it out for the money and eventually your love for programming returns.”
I can picture myself being in these situations because of my concern for getting a well paid job. I know for a fact that money helps my motivation, however at the same time, I want to do what I love in the software development field, particular video game programming and development. In my mind, there will come times when it will be tedious and difficult while working, but with any job or career, work is work, and there can be times where I know I’ll face hardships and I will overcome them. Loving for what I do in my career will be the main reason for the longevity of my video game development career, and I’ve always known that since when I was a kid, I’ve had a passion for video games. This pattern has opened my thinking on this particular career path and I agree with what this pattern has taught me about sustaining my motivation as a software developer.
Ricky Phan 